Sierra Oaks School is a very special place for children. A dedicated staff of highly qualified teachers in partnership with an active parent community set the tone for this outstanding educational environment. Built in 1960, Sierra Oaks has had a long reputation of high academic achievement. It has earned the California Distinguished School recognition three times, first in 1987, the second time in 1998 and, most recently, in 2008.
The school currently has an enrollment of 600 students coming from a variety of ethnic, religious, and linguistic backgrounds. Over 14 different languages are spoken by our families, which include Spanish, Farsi, Korean, Russian, Cantonese, Arabic, Hmong, Vietnamese, Japanese, Ukrainian, Assyrian, Urdu, Punjabi, and German.
In 2006, Sierra Oaks began the journey to become a K-8 schools in the San Juan Unified School District. With the addition of the 6th grade in 2006/2007, we continued to grow each year adding 7th in 2007 and 8th grade students in 2008. Responding to research, parent input and our desire to keep our students, we are excited by this challenge and fundamental change in our program.
Our students in grades K through 8 come to school each day to experience rigorous instruction focusing on the California State Standards. Through continuous collaboration, the staff adjusts and plans instruction for all students with an analysis of multiple assessments. Students gain a solid academic foundation in all core curriculums and are provided with a variety of rich experiences in the fine and performing arts.
Students experience a safe environment in which to learn. A School Safety Plan is in place and emergency drills are implemented on a regular basis. The Sierra Oaks staff has high expectations for both behavior and academic achievement.
Our partnership with the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is an extremely important aspect of the program and environment at Sierra Oaks. Fund raising efforts bring many experiences, services, and resources to enhance the quality of the instructional program. The annual dinner-dance fundraiser is an event that is eagerly awaited by the entire school community. It is anticipated not only for the money it raises, but for also the joy and excitement the auction generates and the knowledge that the children will benefit greatly by the efforts of all concerned. It is a wonderful community builder for the adults.
A visitor to our school will notice quite a number of active volunteers. Their participation not only enhances the academic program, but the beauty of the educational environment. Under the direction of our teachers, various parents and community volunteers work with individual and small groups of students assisting with the academic program. Other volunteers may be seen working in the flower beds or on projects that enhance the physical attributes of the school.
Each day the students at Sierra Oaks K-8 School are engaged in classrooms that define academic excellence. The teachers and community participate in the kind of collaboration that evolves into a purposeful vision. This partnership results in instructional improvement and continuous professional development. Differentiated and balanced instruction, which focuses on the California State Standards and broadening experiences, provides for the needs of all students. For all of these reasons, combined with a safe and beautiful educational environment, Sierra Oaks K-8 School is truly a very special place for children.
